World Immigration News

Prolonged Immigration Detention Tied to Poor Health, PTSD, and Mental Illness

Release Date: 2025-01-28
Media: AJMC
Summary: A recent study found that immigrants detained in U.S. immigration facilities exhibited higher rates of mental illness, poor self-rated health (SRH), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after their release, particularly among those detained for six months or longer. The study, based on surveys of immigrants detained by ICE and later released under court orders, showed that prolonged detention was significantly associated with worsening health outcomes.

Immigrants detained for six months or more had a much higher likelihood of poor SRH, mental illness, and PTSD compared to those detained for shorter periods. These findings highlight the negative impact of long-term detention on health, with researchers suggesting that alternatives to detention should be considered to improve the well-being of detained immigrants and their communities. The study acknowledged limitations, such as the use of self-reported data, but called for urgent policy changes to address the health harms associated with immigration detention.
Tags: USA

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